Exporters are attributing significant disruptions to their export activities to a lack of modern systems and poor communication between financial institutions and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE).
Those who spoke with Capital expressed deep frustration with the NBE’s operations, particularly its practice of placing them on delinquent lists for what they consider irrelevant payment arrears. They argue that the absence of a quick, digital tool to check their delinquent status is severely impacting their export schedules.
Many exporters recalled that the process was much simpler in the past, but has now become exceedingly challenging, complicating their ability to schedule shipments in line with customer demands.
The exporters explained that problems arise when they approach their commercial banks to apply for export permits, only to encounter unexpected delays because the central bank has barred them from obtaining one.
“When we inquired about the reasons for not receiving the export permit, banks informed us we were on the delinquent list at the central bank, but provided no further details,” one exporter said.
This situation forces leading exporters to travel to the NBE in person to uncover the reasons for their listing and to submit any required clarifying documents.
“In the past, we could check this information monthly through the single window system or the NBE’s system without needing to visit any office. Now, I only discover if I’m on the delinquent list when I apply for an export permit,” another exporter recalled.
They noted that the previous system was crucial for planning their export schedules in alignment with rail and shipping freight programs. “Nowadays, this system is unavailable,” they said, necessitating physical trips to the NBE office.
Exporters also revealed that the NBE is including them on delinquent lists—a system intended to identify those who have failed to meet foreign exchange obligations or have accounts with bounced checks—for very small amounts of money.
They further explained that the export business relies on collaboration between local and correspondent banks, a process about which they often have limited visibility.
“I have no idea how much the correspondent bank deducts as a service charge, and we cannot negotiate the rate. Our local banks only inform us of the deductions when the receivable amount shows minor discrepancies,” an anonymous exporter told Capital.
“This issue should be resolved between the banks and their regulator, yet we are the ones affected by these unexpected situations, which disrupt our ability to manage our business,” she added, noting that the problem sometimes stems directly from issues between the two banking entities.
Exporters also expressed that the NBE’s process feels unfair. Banks are required to submit a physical letter detailing any outstanding amounts. However, “When we visit the NBE, staff inform us they haven’t received any letter from our bank, while the commercial bank insists it was submitted,” the exporter added.
Exporters informed Capital that the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has implemented an electronic system for banks to submit reasons for delinquent statuses, replacing the previous requirement for physical letters.
However, they are seeking a more modernized solution from the financial regulatory body that would allow them to check their delinquent status in advance.
One exporter recounted her experience at the central bank, where she was told there was no information available regarding her unsettled amount. “Why must I go to the NBE in person to find out why I am banned from obtaining an export permit or why I am listed as delinquent?” she asked.
This situation is particularly challenging for exporters located outside the capital, as they are required to travel to Addis Ababa each time they need to resolve a delinquent listing to continue with their export permits.
They strongly emphasized that the outdated and inefficient relationship between banks and the NBE is adversely affecting the export business.
Furthermore, they expressed a desire to present these challenges to NBE officials but lack a platform to do so. “There is no forum where we can meet with the NBE,” they stated.
